Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs is accessed primarily via a single main highway corridors, one coming northeast from Wolf Creek Pass then continuing southwest to Durango, and then US-84 which takes you to New Mexico.

Downtown streets are straightforward and compact, and most lodging, restaurants, and shops are within a short drive of one another.

Traffic is generally light outside peak holiday and summer weekends, though it can slow near popular hot springs access points and during seasonal events. Fuel and services are available in town, and signage to major recreation areas is clear. In winter, mountain roads and passes leading to ski terrain or high country trailheads can require extra caution due to snow and ice, while spring runoff can affect some back roads and river activities.

Public transportation in and around Pagosa Springs is provided by a small county operated service known as Mountain Express Transit. This system runs fixed routes that link the historic downtown blocks, the riverfront, the uptown shopping areas and some residential neighborhoods, using clearly marked stops along the main corridors. On weekdays the primary local route makes multiple circuits during the day, giving riders a practical way to move between hotels, stores, medical offices and public buildings without driving.

In addition to the local loop, regional bus trips connect Pagosa Springs with nearby communities such as Durango and Ignacio, which is especially useful for travelers who arrive by air in Durango and prefer not to rent a car for the entire stay.

Schedules, fares and stop maps are published by the county and local partners, and information is also available through visitor information outlets around town.

For most tourists the buses are a convenient supplement rather than a complete replacement for a car, but they work well for moving between uptown and downtown or for reaching trailhead shuttles and park and ride locations when those services are offered during peak seasons.

Downtown Pagosa Springs is easy to explore on foot, especially along the San Juan River corridor. The Riverwalk and Town Park area connect to sidewalks and short paths that link hot springs, shops, parks, and eateries. The downtown river loop is a popular stroll that stays close to the water and passes key soaking spots and public spaces.

Biking is pleasant on local streets for confident riders, and the river corridor and nearby parks provide short, low stress routes. For longer rides, visitors often head to forest roads and trail systems outside town, where grades increase quickly but scenery and solitude make the effort worthwhile.